Daniil Medvedev won his first grand slam title on Sunday, beating Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-4 6-4 in the US Open final.
Medvedev’s win ended Djokovic’s hopes of completing a calendar grand slam.
After winning the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon titles, Djokovic was trying to do what only Don Budge (1938) and Rod Laver (1962 and 1969) ever managed in the men’s game, by claiming all four titles in the same year.
However, Djokovic’s quest to make history collapsed after his loss to Medvedev.
Rod Laver was among the 23 700 watching at Arthur Ashe Stadium. He later tweeted congratulating Daniil Medvedev and telling Djokovic to “take heart” from the loss.
Simply stunning Daniil Medvedev, you stopped one of the greatest tonight. To win your first Grand Slam title is always special, to do it against a champion like Novak Djokovic is something else. Take heart Novak, the quest continues. Best wishes, 🚀
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) September 12, 2021
The 25-year-old Medvedev, playing in his third grand slam final, became the third Russian man to win a major singles title. In addition, he became the ninth different US Open men’s singles champion of the last 14 years.
Daniil Medvedev’s previous losses in grand slam finals were to Rafael Nadal in the 2019 US Open final and Djokovic in February’s Australian Open final.
Victory for Djokovic would have seen him make history by getting a record 21st Grand Slam singles title, breaking a tie with both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Novak Djokovic already has 3 US Open titles to his name. However, his loss means that he will enter 2022 tied with “Big Three” rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, both absent with injuries, on an all-time record 20 men’s Slam titles.
What The Players Said
After his victory, Daniil Medvedev thanked friends, family and fans for giving him energy throughout the week.
“Sorry for you fans and Novak because we all know what he was going for,” Medvedev said.
“What you have accomplished in your career… for me, you are the greatest tennis player in the history.”
He ended his speech by wishing his wife a happy anniversary.
“During the tournament I couldn’t think of a present or anything, but if I lose I have to think of a present,” Medvedev said.
Addressing the crowd through tears, Djokovic said: “I would like to say that tonight, even though I have not won the match, my heart is filled with joy and I’m the happiest man alive, because you guys have made me feel special on the court.”
“You guys touch my soul. I’ve never felt like this in New York.”
“Congratulations to Daniil. Amazing match,” Djokovic said. “If there’s anyone that deserves a Grand Slam title right now, it’s you.”
Other Russians to win grand slams before him were Yevgeny Kafelnikov at the 1996 French Open and 1999 Australian Open and Marat Safin at the 2000 US Open and 2005 Australian Open.